Shirley Jean Van Voorhis, a lifelong local area resident, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. She was 85.
Daughter of the late Roy C. and Marion (Connelly) Ketcham, she was born in Beacon on April 22, 1930. On June 14, 1952, she married Charles Van Voorhis at the First Reformed Church of Fishkill. Shirley worked in her family’s business, Ketcham Motors, up until her final years.
She actively contributed to her church and community in many ways, as a member of the First Reformed Church of Fishkill’s Women’s Guild, the Highland Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, and the Ladies Auxiliary at Protective Engine Co. 1 Fire Department.
Shirley always enjoyed spending time in her garden. On Sundays, she enjoyed taking trips with her family to sit down for lunch and have a good hamburger!
She is survived by her son, David Van Voorhis of Cortlandt Manor; her son, Donald Van Voorhis & his wife Barbara of Fishkill; her daughter, Susan Murray & her husband Wayne of Fishkill; her grandchildren, Kari Collins & her husband Ronald and Kimberly Van Voorhis; and many other loving relatives & friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles in 2007; two infant children, Patricia in 1954, and Greg in 1962; as well as her sister, Patricia Ketcham.
Shirley’s family would like to thank all of those who assisted in her care, especially her longtime caretakers Jane and “The Girls” as well as the doctors, nurses, and staff at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 7 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street Fishkill. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 8 at the First Reformed Church of Fishkill, 1153 Main Street, Fishkill, with Rev. Gloria McCanna officiating. Interment will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Reformed Church of Fishkill, 1153 Main Street, Fishkill, NY 12524. Contributions in Shirley’s memory will be used to beautify the church’s gardens and landscaping.
For directions, online condolences, and memorial donations, please visit her Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.